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👎 Should we have a Dislike button on posts?

Poll - Total Votes: 173

Yes - get a Dislike button

No - no Dislike button (please explain why)

You can only vote on one answer.

We want to implement [b]Reactions/Emotions[/b] on Similar Worlds at some point.

However, we wonder if including a [b][u]Dislike/Thumbs Down[/u][/b] button would bring us benefits or not.

👍 ❤ 🤣 😯 😥 😡 (👎)

Do you think we should implement?

If not, [b][u]why[/u][/b] do you think a Dislike button wouldn't be a good idea on Similar Worlds?

Please share your honest feedback!

Thank you.

Top | Newest First | Oldest First

1-50 of 111

SW-User

In my honest opinion, I don't think there should be one...
With some it will likely cause more drama

Mguinm · 51-55, F

@SW-User I feel the same.

Stark

I don’t think it’s necessary, I think you can just ignore the post if you don’t like it. It will likely be abused and not used for the actual purpose in my opinion.

bijouxbroussard · F

@Stark Agreed. That’s exactly how it worked when they had it on EP.

CheshireCatalyst · 36-40, M

I think if a dislike button were introduced it would be used in bullying - sadly there are a few groups of dramatic people on here who target specific users.

It would also prevent debate. The internet already throws up a lot of barriers to debate as it's easy to dehumanise the person you're speaking to, if we give people a 'hate' button that's another way to make something that SHOULD be complicated into a simple yes/no system. You could argue that the 'like' option is the same, but I don't think the internet is known for causing people to get on better. One has a measurable negative outcome, the other doesn't.

In favour of the dislike button, there was a post today attacking women, and the poster deleted every comment disagreeing with his worldview. You can argue that a dislike button would give users the power to vote this down and not have their views deleted. But who does this benefit? It just means the creator of the hate post feels attacked and vilified. At least when he's deleting arguments against his world view he can read them first. Just getting a straight up 'dislike' actually just proves to them that they're right, and everyone against them - but without explaining the reasons to them.

Ramble over. I think.

View 6 more replies »

BoobooSnafu

@CheshireCatalyst I didn't know you could delete other peoples posts ! Where's the democracy of debate and freedom of speech in doing that !

Bit of a cowardly thing to do - IMO 🤔

CheshireCatalyst · 36-40, M

@BoobooSnafu you can delete their comments if they're on your post. It's useful if people are being abusive but obviously people also use it to delete anything that they disagree with.

BoobooSnafu

@CheshireCatalyst You know - if someone was being abusive on one of my posts - I'd freakin' leave it there for everyone to see. Let them make an arse of themselves😁

bijouxbroussard · F

I just remember on EP the ability to rate down posts was abused and often used to bully people, so it was removed. It’s too bad, because there are times when a post is inappropriate but not quite flag-worthy.

questionWeaver

Thank you for asking

A dislike button does not accomplish anything purposeful.

Those that seek to irritate, would be happy for it ... as if they need more encouragement and tools?

[sep]
The consequence will be more blocking ... members will simply block those who dislike a comment or story ... which adds to way too much blocking now.

[sep]
Each of these tools ... delete, dislike, block, flag ... are all used to issue non-verbal covert retaliations to other members.... essentially a "leveling of the playing field".

[sep]
And negativity is something almost all SW members start with and surely we have an ample supply of that ... we do not need to be encouraged to add to it.

Kind regards,
qW

SW-User

@questionWeaver And we agree again......starting to see a pattern. I wouldn't dislike this answer.

SAandME · 56-60, M

I suggested this way back on EP, however in hindsight i think it would be a bad idea unless you are thinking of turning SW into TH (Trolls Heaven). Due to the number of trolls on here i think most posts would end up with more 👎 than 💛.

ChampagneOnIce · 51-55, F

I think a dislike button would cause more drama and negativity than it’s worth. Maybe a rolling eyes emoticon would be better. 😄🙄

beckyromero · 36-40, F

I'd say a sound "no" to having a dislike button.

It would strongly encourage and enable harassment. There was enough of that on EP.

A dislike button can unfortunately be used in AI algorithms that would easily allow bullies to shout down others and silence their voices. That's how flagging worked on EP.

bijouxbroussard · F

According to the poll, the no votes exceeded the yes votes. But it was added anyway. With respect, what was the point of even asking us ?

Jeffrey53 · 51-55, M

you could put it in I won't use it. why would I dislike someones post. not everyone has the same opinions on things that I do. how about ask to vote on things first before implementing things. if people don't like things you suggest you shouldn't implement them. there are lot of things you did to this site really doesn't make sense. when the site started out there were groups you can write a story, now when you click on the groups you can't write anything using that group.

OogieBoogie · F

So @Andrew, @Nuno...why did this happen?

And since it happened against popular opinion, does someones post get downvoted in the general whole feed, or just down voted on the feed of those that wished it to be?

questionWeaver

@OogieBoogie couple excellent questions there

Bastard · 26-30, M

Yes because of the drama and pettiness that will ensue. Fuck y'all that opposed.

SW-User

It depends, some people might dislike posts just because they don’t like someone , and not actually because of the content of their posts, and that’s kinda depressing.

Newandimproved · 61-69, M

No to dislike because
It tends to stifle expression

It seems a little judgemental with having to justify a position

I see it as a tool for some of the cliques to team up

It is not positive

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Newandimproved · 61-69, M

@Serenitree thanks. and that's not that we shouldn't disagree or even dislike a comment. and if you find a comment repugnant there is always the block button.

Serenitree · F

@Newandimproved Or a calm reasonable response saying what you are disagreeing with, and why. This might open up a conversation or get you blocked. Fair enough, it saves one of our blocks.

KayraJordyn · F

There are cliques @Newandimproved? I guess I'm so cliqueless I didn't know? 😧

FeetAreFantastic · 41-45, M

No, because I think it would promote negativity too much.

What I would like instead is something of a "thank you" button, next to the like button. I myself and many with me now use the like button simply as an acknowledgement to the poster. It doesn't necessarily mean I really liked the post. By adding another option for this the like button can be used for actual liking.

Alternatively there could be a rating. Instead of the like and thank you buttons you could give a comment 1-5 stars.

5thApprentice · 31-35, M

@FeetAreFantastic I agree a thank you button would be nice. It's nice to acknowledge people's responses but sometimes there is no need or desire to reply to them.

ZenKitzune · F

Well tbh on reddit I find it kinda stressful to get downvotes especially as when one person does it, everyone seems to pile in and do the same. I stopped commenting on reddit a while back, granted it's even more anonymous than this place so people think less about what they are doing and saying, but I think that having the option here would just lead to targeted bullying.

I don't think it would be a good thing.

FeetAreFantastic · 41-45, M

@ZenKitzune yeah, the downvotes on reddit are the worst

ZenKitzune · F

@FeetAreFantastic I once got downvoted 6 times for baking cookies 🤷

SomeLikeItHot ·

A dislike button could easily add to the toxicity of the community. I think what happens now is that if people dislike something enough they complain to Admin.

DragonFruit · 61-69, M

@SomeLikeItHot Hopefully that doesn’t encourage the Admins to add it so they don’t have to deal with as many complaints....that could backfire in the long run.

SomeLikeItHot ·

@DragonFruit
I do have confidence in them.
I would imagine that they get many complaints through the flag process.
It seems that much of the animosity that gets experienced here gets tamped down. It seems that dislikes could dishevel that quite a bit.

SapphicHeart · F

In my honest opinion I can't see any idea in promoting negativity. We already have people disliking others because of what they post, or think. It might just increase more of the HS drama that we already see from time to time. Disliking a post will be ignoring it and moving on. Let this place be about supporting diversity and people posting different kind of posts, that not all will be in the taste of all of us. We can always make our voices heard by replying on them. I don't like the idea.

DrWatson · 70-79, M

I can express disagreement with words. If someone dislikes what you say, they ought to be able to tell you why. I can imagine this being used mischievously, with someone disliking whatever a particular user posts, because of dislike for the user, rather than the content of the post.

I also think a dislike button would skew things. I was on another (now defunct) site, relatetothat.com, which had a "thumbs down" as well as a "thumbs up" button. The former was almost never used. I think the reason is that that site was so heavily moderated, that the only people who used it tended to be very polite folks. Since SW does not have that kind of self-selecting filter on its membership, I can see such a feature turning ugly.

Third, there are some people here who are emotionally vulnerable. We have read stories in the news of teen suicides over negative social media feedback. I see no reason to introduce extra negativity here.

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Newandimproved · 61-69, M

@BoobooSnafu you say that like it is a bad thing :)

BoobooSnafu

@Newandimproved Ha ha - you do have a point. I have to admit, there are times I nearly wet myself laughing from the stupidity and ignorance some people have.
But the this only backs up my argument - you put in a 👎button, and they will get lazy - and we'll miss all that stupidity.........that'd be a real shame😁

bijouxbroussard · F

@DrWatson Excellent points all. 👍🏽

Ladyryan · 51-55, F

No, please. There are trolls or really bad people, bullies that can use this to their own selfish way. One doesn’t have to hit that like button if he or she doesn’t like the post. But to provide them with a Dislike button is to trigger hate. Dislike button can be useful to rude posts. But for the sincere and really honest posts can also be a tool for the sake of trolling or simply to Hate.
I’ve stumbled upon posts that are nice, but I don’t feel like I needed to comment in but left a like or heart for encouragement. And would be quite depressing if disliked were ever hit for whatever reason they have no clue of. No views or no comments to a post is disheartening enough. And to provide a dislike button would be a harsh step.

This isn’t YouTube that “like” and “dislike” can have a challengingly wide margin of audience for entertainment. But here on SW, for the most part we are to encourage. A post without a view and a kind comment with numbers of dislike would be too much. Rude posts deserving enough to have Dislike hits, can be satisfying. But don’t let the bullies have their way with the Dislike button. Let the trolls have their say and the community have their own say against the trolls or bullies be known. But a silent Dislike? I am not favor at all.

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Ladyryan · 51-55, F

@KayraJordyn Thank you for the vote of confidence. 🤗

KayraJordyn · F

Lol yep. Membahs gotta stick togeddah.

Ladyryan · 51-55, F

@KayraJordyn yep 😀 Agreed 😊

Maddie · 36-40, F

Honestly...I think there are way to many users that enjoy making negative remarks/comments to irritate others...by adding a Dislike button they would cause more trouble than its worth.

Ambroseguy80 · 51-55, M

@Maddie Bravo!!!

BoobooSnafu

@Ambroseguy80 Yep ! I second that🙂

Ambroseguy80 · 51-55, M

@BoobooSnafu THanks booboo. 😉

JarJarBoom · 41-45, F

This might work on reddit but it doesn't work on a site like this. And if a person gets a dislike, would they be able to see who gave a dislike???

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TJNewton · M

@JarJarBoom with what ?

JarJarBoom · 41-45, F

@TJNewton 🙄

TJNewton · M

@JarJarBoom What are you on about jarjar ? I let my mates daughter use my computer to open a new account on FB and ever since that happened i have been unable to log in

TryingtoLava

That would hurt peoples feelings

bijouxbroussard · F

@TryingtoLava On a basic level, yes it would. 🙁

LyricalOne · F

Big mistake. Having come from a site where there was downrating, I can tell you that it caused a whole lot of problems both for admin and the community. As my wise Jewish mother likes to say, don't borrow trouble.

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sighmeupforthat · 46-50, M

@LyricalOne i know... and all the treats! it's like what? ya gunna come and git me eh? eh! come on! get some! :P

and then most of it's commentary about the butthurt wussies instead of the originating commentary which could have been very provoking and enlightening.

then all the fake hackers making remarks about "i'll ping you and find out who you are"

yeh, yeh, yeh. :/ still a funny idea though, could destroy SW as we know it... mushroom cloud it into 'even more people leaving' :(

KayraJordyn · F

Lol @LyricalOne

Peaches · F

@LyricalOne Yeah, RelateToThat had such a button. I'm shocked that place lasted as long as it did?!

SW-User

I haven't read through all the responses so pardon me if I've repeated what someone else has said.

I don't think it would be wise to have a dislike button. There are people who dislike other users and I believe it will give them an additional way to harrass/abuse them.

Bottom line, if a person doesn't like what another user has written, they don't "heart" the response. That's enough of a "dislike" in my mind. Flagging takes care of the problem posts.

But, if you feel it's something you want to try, then program it. You can always get rid of it if it doesn't meet your expectations.

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SW-User

@xxxxxx LMFAO! I consider it a badge of honor!

@TJNewton I'll look for yours. I'm reading through people's responses now. 😊

TJNewton · M

@SW-User Hahahahaha ok :)

BoobooSnafu

@xxxxxx YUP - I TOTALLY AGREE WITH THAT ! The world needs more positivism. Let's work out ways to encourage it.

cmh7882 · M

no. People are nasty and insulting enough here as it is

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IAmJess

@fazer1k You misunderstand what I am saying.

I have a "position." For example, I'm in favor of a dislike button.
You and I are having a healthy debate on the subject.
I've made several [b]different[/b] arguments in favor of the dislike button.

Right now, I have no idea which of my arguments are effective and which are not. It's entirely possible that some of my arguments are even objectionable or offensive to some people here. But I have no idea. If people could "react" to my varied arguments independently and easily, then I would become more effective at presenting my case by dropping those arguments that fall on deaf ears.

None of that changes my opinion/position nor does it turn anything into a popularity contest. This is called the art of debate and it is something I have studied. In front of an audience, I would be looking for facial cues in the audience when I make certain points to see how effective those points are. If they are not effective, then maybe I will focus on different points or arguments in support of my position. This does not make it a sham; it makes for better debate. If you've ever seen an issue debated by two skilled advocates, then you see this all the time and it can be amazing to watch.

Anyway, the art of debate is not the subject here and I think we've probably long since lost any audience we might have had. I do understand and respect your opinion and especially respect the way you've discussed it with me. Rest assured that if the comments on this story dictate SW's decision, then your side has won by a large margin. :)

fazer1k · 56-60, M

@IAmJess I think the main difference between our positions stems from you believing people would use dislikes in the right way and me believing that many would not. It's been interesting!

IAmJess

@fazer1k That's a good point. I posted a question a while ago asking if you thought most people are basically good. I always did, but my opinion on the subject is changing (mostly because of this place). Given that, maybe you're right on the whole dislike thing! ;)

SW-User

I'm really not a fan of any feature that could encourage negative or bullying behavior. I feel a "dislike" button could potentially do just that.

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fazer1k · 56-60, M

@Serenitree I don't believe people would heart anything they didn't like. I certainly don't. I believe a tick would just be interpreted as a dislike, given the failure to 'heart' and knowing it would just be a substitute for a dislike button, so would result in similar responses to a dislike button. In my view there is nothing to be gained by dislikes or substitute responses other than opening a door for potential discouragement at best, and press-gang style censorship and bullying of those less popular than others at worst.

Serenitree · F

@fazer1k ✔️

fazer1k · 56-60, M

@Serenitree Okay, dislike noted.... 😉

luckranger71 · 51-55, M

No. This should be a positive place. Unfortunately sometimes it’s not. There should not be an additional tool of negativity.

SW-User

@luckranger71 👍🏻

SW-User

Yes. We love drama. Lol.

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BoobooSnafu

@Angeleyez Hahaha - .....You know - It's a bit like going up on stage...there's always that ONE person who gets cheesed off - some people who don't 'get it' - and ALWAYS those few hecklers.

The only difference is......is when you get back to your dressing room - they send you 'dic pics' instead of roses. 😂

Angeleyez · 51-55, F

@BoobooSnafu roflmbo 😂 😆 😂

Petermorgan · 61-69, M

But really. This site is just getting off the ground . Money is a issue as always. I love ur statement ,but lets all please respect this alt site and make it ours. Maybe u won't get dic-pics anymore. U dont deserve that! Who does? I dont want pussy pics, but i want the freedom of peoples to send and post anything. The ugley will go away! We will not.! ♡

WatercolourWildFlowers · 51-55, F

Why give people yet another way to behave badly but this time under the assumption the site thinks it is ok.

SW-User

i’d like reactions, but the dislike button is probably gonna be used negatively by lots of users. i think it could discourage some users to post cause they’re afraid of getting dislikes. reactions are great, but i think we should encourage positivity among ourselves

facebook had a dislike button if i remember correctly, and it was removed for a reason. 😊

bijouxbroussard · F

@SW-User EP did briefly as well, and they also disabled it.

BoobooSnafu

@SW-User you put forward a valid point. I'm not sure a 👎 is a good idea - I think 'if th bastards are gonna be all negative' - make them work for it ! - make them commit to a statement. But you've encouraged a good idea - I REALLY like the emoticon idea - that's a good one.❤

AllAboutLaffs · 70-79, M

I think we have enough negativity on posts already. So, I vote no on a Dislike button.

Haniazed

I don't think it's necessary...when a post has 0 hearts, it's quite obvious no one likes or cares...

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Haniazed

@TJNewton maybe not but if the post has been up for a while and it doesn't have any hearts or comments despite enough views, then it's a good enough indication for me.

TJNewton · M

@Haniazed You said hearts i have questions with over 100 replies and no hearts

Haniazed

@TJNewton I see what you mean...I probably do too😂

And if I comment I usually don't heart as much myself🤔

MellyMel22 · F

[i][c=#BF0080]I think it’ll cause drama that no one needs.. In the end it’ll prob cause more work for administrators.[/c][/i]

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MellyMel22 · F

@Ambroseguy80 [i][c=#BF0080]It’s true though, I can see one dislike bringing many people long-term Internet enemies 😹 [/c][/i]

SW-User

@MellyMel22 agreed

Ambroseguy80 · 51-55, M

@MellyMel22 totally agree! 👍🏻

SW-User

If providing tools to create needless drama is the goal then by all means add a dislike button, lol.

Miklee02 · 51-55, F

@SW-User lol

SW-User

@Miklee02 I wish I could dislike that "lol". And then you could block me because you're offended that I disliked you. And then I can go write a post about how I'm offended that a simple dislike gets me blocked.

Miklee02 · 51-55, F

@SW-User so true... but don't block me 😉

SW-User

I don't think it's a good idea, many people post things only to vent or express themselves, disliking what someone post seems like not respecting that person... And o.k. if one dislikes the post instead of it could write a comment and the author of the post has the freedom to reply or not.
Besides not everyone is liked by everyone, and surely some just for that reason will dislike your posts. Seems shallow... perhaps some sensitive people will feel attacked.

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BoobooSnafu

@PoetryNEmotion So well said - and unfortunately so accurate 😞

PoetryNEmotion · F

@BoobooSnafu It certainly has its good points too. And good people too. Mustn't forget the whole picture.

BoobooSnafu

@PoetryNEmotion I LOVE the idea of the extra emoji's tho - especially if you l 'like' something - you can also just click 'why' you liked it.

Ambroseguy80 · 51-55, M

I voted no. As someone who posts a lot, I already deal with a lot of negative commentary on some of my posts. All a “dislike button” would accomplish is allow more lazy non-posters to criticize the posts that took thought, time and effort to create. It would also send a message that negativity is sought on this site. I prefer the positive “heart if you like” system we currently have.

SW-User

In a word... NO ... it would create dissention

Degbeme · 70-79, M

@SW-User I`d use it on you. :p ;)

SW-User

@Degbeme 😁 ... see what I mean Nuno?? Lol

fazer1k · 56-60, M

The more I think about it, I can't see why SW would even [i]consider[/i] adding a dislike button.

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BoobooSnafu

@beckyromero - hence my comment - "then that's a negative thing within itself"..............

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@BoobooSnafu Were you a member of EP? You can see from these comments, that I am not alone in warning about the potential abuse.

BoobooSnafu

@beckyromero Yup❤

submissivedestiny · 46-50, F

No dislike button. The atmosphere of Similar Worlds is meant to be one of support and a dislike button would interfere with that. The other emoji options should be sufficient. If one does not agree with a post, it should ideally be left alone.

Serenitree · F

@submissivedestiny Yes. ☝This.

This comment is hidden. Show Comment

JerseyGal · 51-55, F

I voted no for the dislike button.
There are times that there is too much negativity being tossed around already.
There are many who come here to post, not only to share good, happy times ... But to talk when they are feeling down, trying to get a grip and climb out of depression or have strength to continue on.
I feel that adding a dislike button will only add on more stress or depression to some who do not need more negativity. I honestly cannot think of any good that would come from having a dislike button.
Why be like every other site out there?
Be unique and a place people enjoy coming to share with other's.

JustNik · 51-55, F

No. Negativity happens enough. We don’t need to encourage it.

Peapod · 61-69, F

I never saw a site where having one made things better. Too many people abuse it. They are often downvoting the person, not the opinion.

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EugenieLaBorgia · F

@Peapod Yes. They had silver 'eggs' for a vote down and 'golden' for up. It became a battle and ultimately led to the site's demise!

Peapod · 61-69, F

@EugenieLaBorgia, I can believe it. I stay far away from people that look for fights.

Peaches · F

@Peapod True [b]that!☹[/b]

Elessar · 26-30, M

It will only bring (a lot) of toxicity to the community, IMO, especially if it'll be possible to see who disliked what. Some of us already have to deal with a lot of negative, non-constructive criticism in real life, I don't think we need to experience it also here, sincerely.

CountScrofula · 41-45, M

No - getting dislikes can be pretty stressful for some people and if someone posts about self-harm or whatnot on here I really wouldn't like to see that person spammed with dislikes.

I don't see that it would add too much and it could cause issues.

Serenitree · F

I wouldn't like a dislike button. I think simply not responding at all is enough. If I don't like something, I move on. If I hate it, i make a mental note of who said it. If they are hateful very often, I block them. I don't need to make my feelings public.

BoobooSnafu

No - if I was to be definite. I think it would just make it easier to spread negativity. If people are going to be negative -then make them work for it - make them put their words down. This not only makes them more accountable for their negativity, but also can encourage debate. A 'thumbs down' is too vague/generic. Also - some people can offer creative criticism, which is totally different from others that only want to troll.

LOVE the emoticon idea tho

- some comments are incredibly witty - while other ones give great wisdom, - and some can be very caring. The emoticons would be a great way to show 'why' you liked someones comment.

goldengirl · 61-69, F

We all deserve to have our opinion.....so no need for a dislike button. If you find something offensive, report the post to admin....a determination as to how it is handled will be evaluated.

Serenitree · F

👍@goldengirl Yes.

PoetryNEmotion · F

This is SW. This is a discussion site. What is the point of having a like or dislike on a posting? Would it matter if a posting was liked or disliked? Unless it is against the TOS, it will still exist. Reactions and Emotions and Dislike/Thumbs Down. Isn't this going to lessen people's responses? Already people are using emoticons on many postings. I guess they cannot be bothered to use words. Emoticons only are lazy and modern. That is how I feel about it. Let's have discussions.

bijouxbroussard · F

@PoetryNEmotion It’s good to see you. 😊

KayraJordyn · F

*similes*☺

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